Nidecker Legend Review And Buying Advice

Nidecker Legend 2014 - 2010
Review by The Good Ride

2014 Nidecker Legend

The Nidecker Legend was discontinued in 2013 which I thought was kind of a shame but it came back in 2014 with an entirely new design. It’s kind of an Arbor A-Frame Rip but it does look good. I haven’t tried this because Nidecker hasn’t been selling their boards lately in the US or sending them to me for demo. The only boards they still have in the US are the Megalight and Ultralight. The older Legend with camber was an exceptional longer freeride board and then the Camrock (hybrid camber) version was exceptionally fun too. The new Legend has a much more surfy look and has a different shape to it. The sizing is similar but the waist width is a little larger as the sizing goes up and the taper is almost the same. I haven’t ridden this board but based on the wider waist width I would probably prefer the old camrock model because I could get the 174 and ride it really quick edge to edge with my size 9 boots. Now the larger sizes like the 168 and 174 are more mid/wides.

2010-2012 Nidecker Legend Review.

The Nidecker Legend is one of the most unknown and underrated freeride boards US. This Swiss company has been at it since the 80’s, take their craft very seriously and should never be ignored when shopping for a board. They make some great freestyle boards but developed a best in class reputation in the freeride and big mountain world. There are many boards in this category but nothing handles like this. Its sad that people in the US don’t know about Nidecker. For 2012 The Legend changed to hybrid rocker and this is exactly what we were hoping for. It has some drawbacks compared to older camber model but the positves far outweigh the negatives.

Days Used- 20+
Bindings Used- Burton Cartels
Boards Tried 168 and 164

There were 5 major boards in this small catagory of cambered slightly tapered freeride boards that all compete directly against each other. They are the Salomon Burner, The Burton Supermodel, Supermodel X and The Nidecker Legend. As of 2012 the Supermodel and Supermodel X have been discontinued and the Legend has upgraded to hybrid camber so this comparison is lost. The only one in the Legends category now is the Burton Barracuda and it has a different hybrid design. Out of the boards the Nidecker Legend is incredibly underrated in the US and is argueably the best in it’s class. This board can ride nimble and quick for it’s size but at the same time give you a lot of float in powder. It’s like having a high performance long board that can do short board moves. The boards with Ultimate Grip will have some of the best edge hold a tapered board can have while it’s new. After a while the ultimate grip will be tuned away but it will still have a very good edge hold. The one small issue with this board is the stance width. It definitely has the euro narrow stance going for it. Most freeriders don’t mind this but some of the people who prefer a wider stance might not be too stoked on how narrow it is compared to most US boards.
Groomers- This board is made for groomers as well as its made for steep and deep. It is super fun to make mellow turns or get euro carvy if you are in the mood. Anything you do on a groomer from straight lining to carving will work rather well. Both the Camrock and Camber are a delight to ride on groomers andPowder: This has a short contact length, a big set back, a slightly bigger nose than the tail and a deep side cut. As of 2012 the Legend changed to camrock which made the float more effortless. It turns very well for a board it’s size but where it really shines is getting you out of those flat sections that the fishes and small boards slow or stop in. Get use to passing people in the flats back to the chair. No matter what kind of powder you are in this will board will hold it well. We haven’t been stuck yet on this board or had issues turning in tree situations despite it’s size.Speed: Very fast base and a very fast board in powder or groomers. If you choose straight line a run it will be just as fun as making make quick turns in the steep stuff. There are faster boards out there but this is in the top 10%. If you keep it waxed it will treat you well.Weight- This board is very light. Probably in the top %5. The 164 feels like its a 156, the 168 feels like its a 160 and the 174/175 like a 166. If you want to take a long hike worry about the other gear you bring and not the board.Turn Initiation and Carving: The turn initiation with camrock is easier than the old camber board but like the camber it still takes more work than the other hybrid camber or hybrid rocker boards out there. Still for a board of this size it’s pretty easy. You still can make the tightest turns when your life is on the line and also allows you to make fun wide radius easy turns. The carving was better with camber but the camrock is still very good either. It just turns like it’s shorter than it’s size now.Edge Hold: This board does well with out ultimate grip but with ultimate grip its outstanding. The ultimate grip is very unique. Its hard to notice untill you look up close but between the bindings there is a serrated edge that really holds well in ice and hard pack. Its also great to have this type of edge hold when your terrain shifts on you. If you happen upon ice under powder your rail won’t slide out. Its not always going to be a powder day so Nidecker figured out how to make this board great when its time for groomers.Stiffness- This board has a medium/stiff flex which is perfect for what it needs to do. Its soft enough to turn and stiff enough to stay chatter free at high speeds. Nidecker knows how to make both the camber and camrock handle chatter very well.Rails and Boxes- Don’t go thereJumps: Most likely you’ll just want a nice method or a 360.Pipe:Pipe is not this boards cup of tea.

This is one of those boards that should be in the US everywhere but instead is just barely here. This is one of those boards we keep coming back to and always want to own for deep days and freeride moods.